Big Bash: Record crowd sparks MCG frustration

Jason Phelan

Melbourne: Cricket Australia have apologised to fans stranded outside the MCG after new security measures failed to cope with the record Big Bash League crowd that turned out to watch the Melbourne Stars take on Melbourne Renegades.

"The match tonight experienced an unprecedented record crowd for domestic cricket. We thank fans for their patience and apologise for the delays experienced entering the ground tonight.

"The safety and security of our fans, players and officials is always our number one priority and rest assured we'll continue to work with the MCG to ensure everyone has a fantastic experience at any cricket event this summer."

In another sign of the growing popularity of the BBL and the wane of Test cricket, Saturday night's preliminary crowd figure easily eclipsed the 53,389-strong crowd that watched the first day of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and West Indies.